Ruth Lenora Maupin Betsworth Breeding, age 94, of Hugoton, Kansas, died Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Pioneer Manor in Hugoton, Kansas. She was born September 16, 1928, in Bison, Kansas, the daughter of William Thomas and Veda Ruth (Rumford) Maupin.
Ruth moved to Pawnee Rock, Kansas, at the age of 3, where her parents owned a Drug Store, her father was the pharmacist. In growing up, many hours were spent behind the soda fountain of her parent’s drug store, serving sodas, malts, shakes, banana splits and ice cream cones. She attended elementary and high school at Pawnee Rock until her senior year, when her parents moved to Holyrood, Kansas. She graduated from Holyrood High School in 1946. A few months after her graduation, her parents moved to Hugoton, Kansas, where her father was employed by Bloodhart Drug. Ruth was employed by Republic Natural Gas when she moved to Hugoton. She married Morgan Orville Betsworth July 22, 1947, in Hugoton, Kansas. Three sons were born to this union: Michael Morgan, William Leo and Brent Alan. Michael Morgan passed from this life on February 26, 2000. During the time span from 1957 to 1985, when she retired, Ruth was employed by the Stevens County Extension Council; the Hugoton Elementary School; and was office manager for Chet Davis State Farm Insurance Agency for a total of 20 years. Upon retirement in 1985, she and husband, Morgan Orville, enjoyed two years of vacationing in their 5th wheel. Morgan died at San Isabel, Colorado, on August 24, 1987. After his death, Ruth was employed by Stevens County Farm Bureau as their secretary. On June 9, 1989, Ruth and Charles Martel Breeding were united in marriage at the Hugoton Baptist Church in Hugoton, Kansas. Ten good years of married life were enjoyed by both until the death of Charles on August 20, 1999.
Ruth has spent most of her life enjoying the activities of her husbands, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Not unusual, in later years, to see her attending the football, baseball, basketball and wrestling activities of her great-grandsons. One of her favorite remarks has been “When I die, I’ll probably fall out of a bleacher.” She spent a lot of time on the bleachers and enjoyed every minute of it. She loved her family very much and was very proud of their athletic abilities and also cherished and admired the beauty of her granddaughters and great-granddaughters.
Ruth was a member of the Hugoton Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School for several years, was a member of the church choir for years and also she and Morgan O. sponsored the youth for several years. Ruth had recently attended the United Methodist Church in Hugoton.
Ruth is survived by her sons, William Betsworth and wife Tarcy, Brent Betsworth and wife Teri all of Hugoton, Kansas; step-daughter, Mary Ann Price and husband Kenneth of Rolla; grandchildren, Camee Gifford of Hugoton, Candace Rushing of Statesboro, Georgia, Kate Anderson of Savannah, Georgia, Trisha Putthoff of Shawnee, Bethany Owens of Centennial, Colorado, and Brad Betsworth of Galeton, Colorado; eight step-grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Ruth is preceded in death by her husbands, Morgan O. Betsworth and Charles Breeding; son, Michael M. Betsworth; parents, William and Veda Maupin; sister, Jacqueline M. Robinson; and step-son, Daniel Breeding; step-grandson, Taylor Oglesby; great-granddaughter, Sadee Gifford; and great-grandson, Jax Putthoff.
Funeral service will be 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at the United Methodist Church in Hugoton, Kansas, with Pastor Wesley Young and Pastor Gary Stafford officiating. Interment will follow at the Hugoton Cemetery in Hugoton. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home, 920 E. 11th St. in Hugoton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Pheasant Heaven Charities in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 920 E. 11th St. Hugoton, KS 67951. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
